Latest news with #QueenOfClean
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm the Queen of Clean and my 5p hack stops wasps & hornets attacking you in your garden – they get ‘dizzy' & fly away
WASPS pose a menace to many this summer - however, a cleaning whizz has suggested not only a surprising but also affordable way to fend them away. Whilst wasps are great for flowers, they can be a real nuisance - especially when you're trying to enjoy a lovely brunch or dinner in the garden. 3 3 3 Luckily, one expert, Lynsey Crombie - also known as the Queen of Clean - has come to the rescue with a wallet-friendly hack to keep the pesky pests at bay. According to the guru, who shared the trick with This Morning viewers, the solution is simple - and all you need are two common household items and some water. Dropping the knowledge bombs to Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Lynsey revealed how to use copper coins to deter annoying wasps and flies. Chatting to the ITV presenters, Lynsey said: ''All you need to do is get yourself a recycled jar of water and put copper coins in. ''For the bins, you can hang bags of water with the copper coins in.'' For best results, it's advised to use something more durable and clear, such as a sandwich bag, she noted. While some may think the hack is some form of ''witchcraft'', the explanation is actually quite simple. The expert went on: ''So, things like flies and hornets, when they look at that, especially when it's hanging, they go dizzy - it's like they're drunk. ''They go a bit dippy and they turn around from your food, from your bin and it does work.'' The expert - who's shared plenty of hacks for the summer season - emphasised that silver coins, such as 50p, won't work. ''It has to be copper. If you're dining outside, do that.'' Don't have any spare change? There are heaps of other hacks to try this season. Previously, pest control expert Adam Juson from Merlin Environmental explained how using essential oils can put a stop to wasps entering your garden. He said: 'Citronella is a classic repellent and comes from lemongrass. It's most commonly added to candles which can be lit during al fresco meal times to boost the atmosphere and deter wasps. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. 'Tea tree is another scent that wasps hate but you might struggle to find a tea tree candle. Instead, place bowls of tea tree and water around your outside area and along your dinner table. ' Basil and garlic are two other scents that will naturally deter wasps. So consider placing pots of basil along your BBQ table. "When it comes to garlic, you could either plan a garlic-infused spread or add to water and spray in areas that you don't want wasps to be attracted to.' There's also a trick that's sure to become a hit if you love your morning coffee. To ensure that wasps leave your garden alone this summer, all you'll need to do is simply put some coffee powder in a fire-proof bowl and light it until the granules glow. Adam explained: 'The burning coffee powder gives off smoke and scent that wasps can't stand. 'Don't worry about using fresh coffee - if you have a coffee machine, leftover grounds work just as well. 'Remember that the coffee grounds will get very hot so keep them out of reach of little ones! On the topic of smoke, almost all smoke will disturb wasps which means incense sticks are a great addition to your outside gathering. Plus, they smell great too!'
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm the Queen of Clean & people ask me how to get rid of sunscreen stains – here are 4 cheap buys that work like a charm
WITH Brits set to enjoy another sizzling hot weekend, most of us have already started to layer ourselves with coats of sunscreen to protect us from the harsh sun. But whilst sun cream is a must, especially in the summer, the product also often leaves our favourite garments covered in yellow stains that are difficult to remove. 3 3 In particularly hot weather, sunscreen can melt and cause clothing stains, which are usually caused by an ingredient called avobenzone that is present in many lotions. Combined with water or perspiration, it can cause rusty brown or yellow stains, which ruin your go-to white T-shirt in seconds. Luckily, here to help sun-loving Brits is Lynsey Crombie, also known as the Queen of Clean, who shared four cheap household buys that will banish the staining with no faff. The best part? You probably have the items you need in your home already. Chatting with Ben Shephard and Cat Deele y, the guru said: ''This is my most-asked question at this time of the year. ''Honestly, it hits me nearly every single day - I even get people on the street come up to me and ask me. ''It is simple but you do need to know what to do,'' she told This Morning hosts and viewers. As sun cream and in turn, the stains, are greasy, you need to find a method to degrease the garment - and there are a handful of wallet-friendly remedies for this. One of them, she revealed, is mixing bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid - and there's no need to fork out for a fancy one either. ''Sprinkle the bicarb on, dampen it slightly first. Then add some washing-up liquid, little toothbrush [to rub it in], leave it to soak. Stunning Dallas Cowboys cheerleader turns heads with 'intensive' outfit routine ahead of new NFL season ''In a few hours, that will come off,'' she said, adding that these hacks work like a charm even if you've been wearing the stained garment all day. Alternatively, you can also use white vinegar and really liberally spray it. Another method, which many may not be aware of, is applying tea tree oil, which is available for just a fiver at Boots and other high street retailers. More hacks to get rid of harsh stains Baking Soda and Vinegar: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with vinegar and wash as usual. Lemon Juice and Salt: Squeeze lemon juice over the stain. Sprinkle salt generously. Rub the fabric together and leave it in the sun for an hour before washing. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Dab the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse. Milk for Ink Stains: Soak the stained area in milk. Leave it overnight. Rinse and wash the following day. White Vinegar for Grass Stains: Apply white vinegar directly to the grass stain. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Wash as usual. Cornflour for Grease Stains: Sprinkle cornflour onto the grease stain. Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the grease. Brush off the cornflour and wash the garment. Toothpaste for Collar Stains: Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the collar stain. Scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse and wash as usual. While it may sound bizarre as it's ''oil on oil'', Lynsey explained that ''it's actually a degreaser''. ''Don't use too much and dilute it with water [...], and that combats it as well.'' Although this remedy ''is really strange'', the cleaning expert emphasised that ''it does work''.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm the Queen of Clean – my 40p hack gets stains out of whites in seconds, but there's an easy mistake NOT to make
A PAIR of white linen trousers or a white T-shirt - two staples in our summer wardrobe this season. But as chic as they may make us look, light-coloured garments are also prone to stubborn stains that are often impossible to get out. 3 3 3 While there are plenty of store-bought powders and products to tackle this, turns out, you can also use alternative methods for a fraction of the price. Lynsey Crombie, the Queen of Clean, has shared a simple, cost-effective solution to bring back their brightness without spending a fortune. The best part? You probably have the item you need in your home already. If you - or your little one - have been enjoying some time in the grass, the whizz told This Morning viewers how any cheap toothpaste can work wonders to remove stubborn green stains. However, when trying out this trick, there's an easy mistake not to make, she warned. ''Don't go and get the blue one - because you're just gonna make a mess. White toothpaste, she explained, has got bicarbonate of soda, which helps lift stains and brighten clothing. To make your garments sparkle, simply apply the white toothpaste directly to the stain with a drop of water. Rub in with an old toothbrush and leave to sit for ten to 15 minutes. Pop it in a cold water wash and leave to dry in the sun. Savvy woman shares how she creates more drying space inside with £2.99 Home Bargains buy & it even works outside too According to the expert, not only will your clothes come out looking like brand new, they will also have that refreshing mint aroma. ''And don't go buy a really expensive one - they're 40p in one of the major supermarkets. ''Keep it in your cupboard, rub it in and then just leave that for a bit.'' More hacks to get rid of harsh stains Baking Soda and Vinegar: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with vinegar and wash as usual. Lemon Juice and Salt: Squeeze lemon juice over the stain. Sprinkle salt generously. Rub the fabric together and leave it in the sun for an hour before washing. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Dab the mixture onto the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse. Milk for Ink Stains: Soak the stained area in milk. Leave it overnight. Rinse and wash the following day. White Vinegar for Grass Stains: Apply white vinegar directly to the grass stain. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Wash as usual. Cornflour for Grease Stains: Sprinkle cornflour onto the grease stain. Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the grease. Brush off the cornflour and wash the garment. Toothpaste for Collar Stains: Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the collar stain. Scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse and wash as usual. Zesty trick But if you don't have toothpaste at hand, lemons work a treat too, another guru, Thomas Bird, textiles expert and owner of Fabric Online previously shared. 'Lemon juice is a natural and affordable solution to making your whites even whiter", he insists. "Lemons contain citric acid, a natural bleaching agent that effectively breaks down even the toughest stains. "Unlike chemical whiteners, such as bleach, it lifts stains from your clothes without the risk of damage making it the perfect alternative for brightening your whites.' A pack of lemons costs just 69p in Aldi, making it a very affordable hack. Beyond its stain-fighting power, Thomas points out that lemon juice also leaves your clothes with a fresh, citrusy scent whilst eliminating any unpleasant odours. To use lemon juice in your laundry, simply squeeze three lemons into a glass, which should equal about half a cup of lemon juice. Next, add the lemon juice directly to your washing machine along with your regular laundry detergent. Then set your washing machine to the normal spin cycle and let the magic happen. After the wash, let your clothes dry as usual, and watch the noticeable difference appear as they dry.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kim Woodburn, British Reality TV Star Best Known for ‘How Clean Is Your House,' Dies at 83
Kim Woodburn, the British reality TV star best known for How Clean Is Your House, has died. She was 83. BBC News reported that Woodburn died on Monday, according to her manager, after a short illness. The news was also confirmed via Woodburn's Instagram account, run by her husband Peter, where a post read: 'My wonderful, beautiful Kim passed away last night. God bless, my love.' He attached photos of the pair over the years. More from The Hollywood Reporter Melanie Rumani, BBC Studios and UKTV Global Head of Acquisitions, Dies at 50 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Cinematic Cut' Debut Marks KVIFF Expansion Into Gaming World 'Before/After' Explores Transformation as Two Men Bond Over Baldness (Exclusive KVIFF Trailer) Woodburn, referred to as the 'Queen of Clean,' rose to fame leading Channel 4's How Clean Is Your House opposite Aggie MacKenzie from 2003. The hit British show would feature Woodburn and MacKenzie arriving at neglected houses across the country and doing a deep clean. In recent years, she was also known to audiences for her stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, a series marked by clashes and controversy and where Woodburn notoriously fell out with Loose Women star Coleen Nolan. The pair later had a falling out on the Loose Women panel. Her reality career included an appearance on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2009, where Woodburn finished runner-up to TV chef Gino D'Acampo. Her manager told the BBC: 'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness. Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person. Her husband Peter is heartbroken at the loss of his soulmate.' 'We are so proud of the amazing things Kim achieved in her life and career. We kindly ask that Kim's husband and close friends are given the time and privacy they need to grieve.' Among those beginning to pay tribute on Tuesday was X-Factor duo Jedward. 'Rest in Peace Kim Woodburn you will forever be our Celebrity Big Brother Friend!' the pair wrote on social media. 'We grew up watching you and to share those memories together you will be truly missed for the tv gold you created for all generations.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Ten minutes every day': Kim Woodburn's top tips for keeping your home clean
Kim Woodburn, the TV personality best known for the Channel 4 daytime reality show How Clean is Your House?, has died aged 83 after a short illness. Along with her co-host Aggie MacKenzie, the pair took people to task on their dirty and cluttered homes. Woodburn's trademark plaited bun and sharp tongue were recognisable by millions, with many finding her cleaning advice invaluable for keeping their homes spotless. Here are her top five tips. Woodburn was well known for not using harsh chemicals, instead preferring natural household solutions such as baking soda and white vinegar. Over the years, these two common household items became something of a trademark of hers, as she appreciated them for their kindness on the skin and gentler impact on the home. The Queen of Clean said in a 2022 interview that to avoid your home becoming like the ones you often see on TV: 'ten minutes every day and you can keep everything manageable.' Little and often was the key – she encouraged people to do just 10 minutes a day or, if they couldn't manage that, to 'clean as you go'. According to Woodburn, wiping down appliances and cleaning up spills straight away are essential in the kitchen. In particular, cleaning inside the fridge every two months with a cloth dipped in warm water and bicarbonate soda are key. 'When you start going over that timeframe, by God, you're asking for trouble,' she said. Along with binning leftover food, these tasks were essential to avoid attracting flies or worse – the unwanted attention of pets. This method catches dust and stops it spreading around the home. Once you're done, wait for it to dry then shake it out outside or into the bin. When giving advice on hosting a house party Woodburn kept it simple: don't have one. For her, a party meant mucky beggars messing up her home. But if you were brave enough (or foolish enough) to ignore her and go ahead anyway, the advice was equally to the point. Her advice? Before the party say: 'This is what's going to happen. I love you, but if you're not willing to adhere to these rules, mate, you can't come.'
